TEXT: Acts 16:25-34
Introduction: The account of this Jailers conversion will be of special interest to us today as we examine the necessity in the life of the individual to be born again. In John 3:3 we read, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Two things are obvious to me:
1. It is obvious that there are many religious people that are not true Christians. Nicodemus is an example of such persons.
2. It is obvious that there is a gross misuse of the term “born again.”
To be “Born again” implies a change takes place in us – 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
This is true of every real conversion recorded in the Bible! Some examples:
· The Maniac of Gedara (Luke 8:35).
· The Adulterous Woman (John 8:11).
· The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:39).
· The Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
· Paul’s life testified of this change (Galatians 1:23).
I want us to take a look at the conversion experience of the Philippian Jailer. In it we will see a clear example of God’s simple plan of salvation.
1. HE WAS AWAKEN OUT OF HIS SLEEP (v 27). And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
· Most people are spiritually asleep. They are living in a dream world where REALITY is ignored. A Covenant with death (Isaiah 28:14-18). Hebrews 9:27 It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
· They need to be awaken out of spiritual sleep.
It may take an earth shattering experience (accident, illness, death, trouble, etc).
It may come very quietly and simply (gospel tract, revival, gentle witness, etc).
Ephesians 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
2. HE CALLED FOR A LIGHT (v 29).
· There are many false lights in the world (Matthew 24:24; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
· Jesus is the light of the world (Psalm 119:105; John 8:12; 12:35, 36).
3. HE CAME TREMBLING AND FELL DOWN BEFORE THEM – v 29. This mans response shows evidence of repentance.
· There is a connection between spiritual light and true repentance (Acts 26:18).
Paul’s message (Acts 20:21).
John the Baptist’s message (Matthew 3:1-2).
Christ’s message (Matthew 4:17).
John the Baptist’s message (Matthew 3:1-2).
Christ’s message (Matthew 4:17).
· Repentance defined. What is true repentance?
2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort,..
what carefulness it wrought in you,.. [earnest care]
yea, what clearing of yourselves,.. [apologian = humbling apology]
yea, what indignation,.. [righteous regret]
yea, what fear,.. [dread, terror]
yea, what vehement desire,.. [longing for restoration to favour through change]
yea, what zeal,.. [passion, eagerness]
yea, what revenge! [ekdikesis - vindication]
In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
4. HE ASKED “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” (v 31). This is the most important question you’ll ever consider in life! Gods Simple Plan of Salvation
· You Need To Be Saved (Romans 3:10, 23).
· You Cannot Save Himself (Titus 3:5).
· You Need A Saviour (John 3:16).
· Jesus Is The Only Way of Salvation (John 14:6).
· You must turn To God And Ask To Be Forgiven (Romans 10:9-13).
